Kickboxer: Retaliation Blu-ray Review

"Kickboxer: Retaliation" exhibits an impressive 1080p/AVC-encoded High Definition video presentation on Blu-ray, preserving the film's native 2.40:1 aspect ratio. Despite being shot on a modest budget, the digital capture by the new director maximizes visual clarity and style. A detailed look is achieved through the resolution, highlighting the authentic textures of characters’ rugged faces and bodies, the ruggedness of Jean-Claude Van Damme and Christopher Lambert being especially apparent. Intricate environmental details are captured with precision, as seen in the well-framed fight scenes set against engaging backdrops. Amidst various shooting angles, lens flares, and vivid colors—ranging from purples and greens to impactful blues—the consistency in visual quality is remarkable, backed by robust black levels and solid shadow detail.

The presentation is generally strong, though not without minor issues. The film's stylistic choices occasionally introduce challenges for the transfer, such as in specific sequences where aggressive color grading and minimal lighting diminish fine detail. Notably, some segments, like the Muay Thai temple sequence, are affected by heavy yellow grading which slightly masks intricate textures. The over-and-under-cranking speed changes in handheld fight scenes can also be visually strenuous. However, during calmer moments and particularly in close-ups, fine detail is well rendered. Despite minor banding concerns, which are a recurring issue with releases from Well Go USA, this Blu-ray transfer remains a high-quality visual experience, enriching the film’s vibrant aesthetic while satisfying fans with its strong overall presentation.

The audio presentation of "Kickboxer: Retaliation" on Blu-ray is headlined by a punchy DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. This configuration thoroughly utilizes the surround channels to immerse viewers in the film’s dynamic and intense combat sequences. The sound design effectively leverages an engaging score and myriad resonant effects, creating an atmospheric soundstage that envelops the listener. The approach may favor blunt force impacts over nuanced precision, but this enhances the high-energy action scenes, providing an electrifying experience.

Dialogue in the film, though occasionally hampered by thick accents, is consistently rendered with clear, clean fidelity across the frontal array. This ensures that the grunts, shouts, and exclamations from the characters are easily discernible amidst the chaos, maintaining coherence and avoiding the dubbing issues that affected previous installments. Crowd reactions during tournament settings add further depth and realism to the auditory experience, contributing significantly to the sense of immersion.

Overall, the audio mix displays a wide dynamic range and robust fidelity, delivering an intermittently powerful and engaging listening experience. While the soundtrack can occasionally lean towards blunt impact rather than subtlety, it effectively keeps up with the momentum of the film’s relentless action sequences. This creates a sonic environment that not only supports but enhances the viewing experience of "Kickboxer: Retaliation."

The Blu-ray extras for "Kickboxer: Retaliation" offer a modest but engaging selection of content, with a particular emphasis on promotional material. The disc includes a series of short interviews with the principal cast and crew, which provide brief insights into the film's production. Additionally, the end credits feature some entertaining outtakes. The disc is authored to ensure a seamless viewing experience, automatically transitioning between the primary trailer and additional promotional trailers for other Well Go USA releases. However, users with certain PC playback software might encounter navigation issues, such as menu freezing. It is important to note that this may be an isolated issue related to specific playback software, but remains worth mentioning for those using PCs for viewing.

Extras included in this disc:

• Meet the Fighters: Short interviews with the principal cast and crew.
• Trailer: The main trailer for "Kickboxer: Retaliation".

Kickboxer: Retaliation, the sequel to the 2016 Kickboxer: Vengeance, surprisingly revives the franchise, offering an action-packed narrative augmented by familiar aging action icons. Directed by Dimitri Logothetis, who took over from John Stockwell, Retaliation takes a different path from its predecessor. Where Vengeance served as an unnecessary retread, Retaliation opts for brutal and engaging sequences that establish it as a more effective homage to the original 1989 film. The storyline picks up 18 months after Kurt Sloane (Alain Moussi) defeats Tong Po, only for him to be kidnapped and forced into underground fights by promoter Thomas Moore (Christopher Lambert). The film provides Jean-Claude Van Damme a more substantial role, alongside fun cameos from Mike Tyson and other MMA stars.

The film begins with a dynamic pre-credits sequence featuring Kurt in a vivid dream scenario involving a train fight that sets an exhilarating tone. Despite being conscripted into replacing Tong Po, Kurt's character showcases gradually improved charisma and fighting prowess. Retaliation is replete with well-choreographed fight scenes, reminiscent of The Raid 2 and including a visually striking midnight-blue cast mirror fight sequence. The film leverages star power from notable fighters such as Ronaldinho, Fabricio Werdum, Brian Shaw, and Wanderlei Silva. Additionally, Logothetis' direction and Gerardo Medrazo’s cinematography occasionally flirt with stylistic flair, contributing to the film's energetic pace.

Predictably structured yet engaging, Retaliation benefits from its brisk storytelling and inventive fight scenes. Moussi's performance is marginally more compelling, drawing closer comparisons to action contemporaries like Scott Adkins. While the narrative is formulaic, it's bolstered by fun action sequences and an improved execution over its predecessor, notably offsetting some of Vengeance's flaws. The participation of seasoned fighters in various cameo roles enriches the film’s authenticity but also establishes a strong foundation for anticipated future installments in this revitalized franchise.

Kickboxer: Retaliation on Blu-Ray offers an engaging experience, capitalizing on its adrenaline-pumping action sequences and appealing cast performances. While the film does adhere to familiar genre tropes without significantly elevating them, it remains a fun watch primarily due to Alain Moussi's athleticism as Kurt and the nostalgic presence of icons like Jean-Claude Van Damme, Christopher Lambert, and Mike Tyson. The direction and fight choreography deliver enough excitement to satisfy fans of martial arts cinema, even if the narrative falls short of leaving a lasting impact.

Technically, the Blu-Ray release from Kaleidoscope boasts largely excellent video quality. The high-definition transfer ensures sharpness, vibrant colors, and intricate details that bring the fight scenes to life. The audio is robust enough, with clear dialogue and powerful sound effects enhancing the overall viewing experience. However, the release is light on extras, offering only a few trailers, which might disappoint those looking for more in-depth behind-the-scenes content.

It's not going to win any awards, but it does make up somewhat for Vengeance. Kaleidoscope's UK Blu-ray release of Kickboxer: Retaliation delivers largely excellent video and strong enough audio and may only have a few trailers in terms of extras, but is still a strong disc for fans to pick up. After the debacle that was Vengeance, Retaliation is something of a breath of fresh air by comparison, and maybe even resets the balance to leave the third and final chapter in the trilogy somewhat tentatively anticipated now.